Does it hurt?

Yes it does, some areas are more tender than others are. Your inner arms, ribcage, and stomach are some of the tender spots. Everybody interprets pain differently, most say that it is more annoying than anything. The first minute or two will be more intense until your endorphins (natural painkillers) kick in. You can expect more pain towards the end of your tattoo also, as your skin becomes more irritated. After the procedure is done, you should expect little to no pain. The area may feel tight, and you could also experience a slight burning sensation for few hours afterwards. A little pain for a lifetime of beauty, you will find that after you see your new piece of skin art, you will forget all about the pain.

How much does it cost?

The pricing on tattooing varies from artist to artist and from shop to shop. The going rate in the tattoo world is $100-$250 an hour. Some of you are probably thinking, "that is very expensive." Consider this, what you are paying for is artwork that is going to be on your body for the rest of your life. Finding a bargain should not be your top priority. Finding a quality, custom artist who has good sterilization methods should be. Some artists charge by the piece, which means they charge by the size, detail, and placement of the tattoo. Not for how long it takes them to do it. Discounted rates on larger work are common, ask your artist. Do not haggle your artist on his or her pricing; a good artist knows what their work is worth. Neither you nor your artist will have a good experience from haggling. Also, it is generally considered insulting to the artist. You will always pay more for quality work, and having an insulted artist work on you is usually not a good idea. Do your homework to find the artists or shop right for you, and ALWAYS look at portfolios. Also it is a good idea to ask an artist for references, or ask people around town about the best place to get tattooed.

If I gain or lose weight, will it affect my tattoo?

Not usually, if you gain weight your tattoo will look smaller due to larger surface area. Stretch marks can be damaging to a tattoo, but repairs usually can be done. If you lose weight, your tattoo will shrink with your body. If you get a design that completely fits and flows with the body part your putting it on, your tattoo will likely look good no matter what size you are.

Can a tattoo be removed?

Yes, it is very expensive and more painful than the original tattoo application. Some scarring could result from this. Laser removal often requires many sessions for a complete removal. It is also possible to have a tattoo laser lightened, in order to facilitate a better coverup tattoo. Doing this may be less expensive than a complete removal. We do not offer laser procedures in the studio. For that you will need to contact a qualified dermatologist.

Can unwanted designs be covered?

Yes, they can, it is fairly normal for any tattoo collector to be unhappy with some of their collection. There are many misconceptions about cover-up work, solid black is not your only option, and it is generally a bad idea for a cover-up. The black in your old tattoo will mix with the new creating a darker black than the new black. The black in the old will still show through. Be prepared to go a bit larger than you might expect on a cover-up. The more new skin you have to tattoo, the more successful your cover-up will be. You are better off to do a cover-up in sessions, so your artist has the chance to layer color over the old tattoo to better disguise it. Once again, choose wisely. Laser lightening also helps facilitate a better coverup procedure.

What makes a tattoo fade?

Any number of reasons: the sun, tanning, poor aftercare, poor quality ink, swimming too soon, poor application of the tattoo into the permanent layers of your skin. There has been a major improvement in the quality of ink and technique in recent years. All our inks used in our shop are vegetable-based which makes for easier application, faster healing, and brighter and bolder tattoos. We are knowledgeable in the methods required to keep your work from fading. Furthermore, we warranty all completed work, so if something fades, we re-tighten it for free. The initial price of a tattoo may seem high, but it is outweighed by the comfort and value of our life time warranty.

Are there any areas that can not be tattooed?

For the most part, any skin surface on your body can be tattooed. Some spots are not well suited for tattoos, like the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. Tattoos on these places will require many touch-ups. The tops of your feet and hands will hold ink better than the bottom, but require a lot of attention during the healing time. Extra precaution must be taken to make sure everything heals correctly. The elbow is another place that does not like to hold ink but with proper aftercare, ink will stay in these spots. These areas will likely require many tightening sessions. Hands and feet are the only areas we do not warranty, but we may offer one free touchup sitting at artist discretion.

What are the most popular designs?

Tribal, barbed wire, hearts, skulls, roses, and butterflies have been the bread and butter for tattoo artists for years. You should not worry about what everyone else is getting. It is better to find or have an artist create you a design that is unique to you. You can pick up tattoo magazines, or go online, almost anywhere for ideas. Your artist would be the best person to talk to about working up a design for you. A non-refundable deposit may be required to begin a project. Typically deposits apply to the tattoo sitting. Deposits are non-refundable since they cover the many hours of research, design, and preparation involved before the tattoo sitting.

How long before I can resume my normal activities, like swimming or tanning?

If you swim, it is best to wait at least two weeks. As for tanning, you would be wise to wait a month. Even then we recommend use of a suntan lotion of at least SPF 30 on the tattooed area. We also suggest waiting a month to shave your new tattoo. Tattoos are an investment, so protect it from infection and fading.

What are the chances of me getting Hepatitis, HIV, or AIDS?

The answer to this is quoted directly from the Alliance of Professional Tattooists website:

HIV is a very delicate virus and does not survive long outside the human body, nor is it spread through casual contact. Generally, the virus is only transmitted when sufficient quantities of highly infected blood are introduced into the body of another. The structure of tattoo needles does not lend itself to HIV transmission. According to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, there has never been a case of HIV transmission from tattooing in the United States. Cases outside the US were not positively attributed to tattooing because all reported cases also fit the profile of a "high risk" lifestyle.

What about Hepatitis?

The disease to consider when getting tattooed is hepatitis. Hepatitis, unlike HIV, is a very hardy virus that can survive long periods outside the human body and can be transmitted through little more than a scratch with an infected needle. To combat this and any other infectious bloodborne pathogen, artists autoclave their single service equipment, use individual portions of ink and lubricant, dispose of used sharps according to OSHA guidelines, use EPA registered virucidals to clean their stations between clients, and use barrier protection. These procedures are called Standard Precautions. Basically the artist must treat everyone (including himself or herself) as though they were infectious. That way, everyone is protected and the potential for infection is reduced to next to nothing.

Further information regarding our safety procedures:

"Universal Precautions"

Basically this means we use the same protective measures with every patron to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. These universal precautions include:

o Wearing gloves and maintaining strict aseptic approved tattoo and body piercing procedures.
o Washing hands and changing gloves after each patron;
o Sterilizing or disinfecting tattoo instruments and equipment after each use;
o Equipment is wrapped in special sterilization bags, and needles get changed after each patron
o Have visible "telltales" to show sterilization;
o Cleaning and disinfecting the tattoo area after each patron;
o Disposing of needles and other sharp items in biohazard containers;
o Properly disposing of waste items and contaminated materials.
o Our sterilizer is spore tested regularly, according to state guidelines, to ensure safety.

Sterilization and Disinfecting:

Tattoo studios use various methods to sterilize and disinfect in order to kill bacteria and viruses. Our staff is well trained in those procedures and their appropriate use. There are several acceptable methods of sterilization of instruments. Instruments that can withstand high temperatures are sterilized under pressure in a steam AUTOCLAVE, just like a dentist or hospital sterilizes their equipment. Other instruments that can not be heated are scrubbed clean the sterilized or disinfected in chemical solutions. These methods of sterilization kill the AIDS/HIV virus and other microscopic organisms capable of causing illness. All of our needles and ink holders are used for only one customer to prevent cross contamination. We use state approved disinfecting procedures on surfaces and equipment that cannot be autoclave sterilized, such as counters, drawer handles, lights, etc. Disinfecting is done in the Tattoo Area between patrons to assure the studio is absolutely clean for each client. The use of disposable items is another way we maintain a clean and safe studio. Tattoo supplies such as gloves, ink caps, paper towels, rinse cups, tattoo needles, piercing needles, and razors are used only once then disposed of properly.

Your Health Is Our Concern:

We hope this information has addressed some of the questions you may have. If you have other concerns, please feel free to bring them to our attention. We want you to be assured that you are getting the very best and safest tattoo piercing services we can provide. Please remember YOUR health is our FIRST concern.

Body Piercing:

Piercing follows the same sterilization and aseptic procedures as tattooing. Healing time on body piercings vary according to the body part and the person. We give a complete care kit every time you are pierced.

How should I prepare for my tattoo?

It is best to be well fed and well rested. You want to try not to drink alcohol 24 hours before the procedure. Absolutely no alcohol immediately before your tattoo, since it thins out your blood causing more trauma to your skin than necessary. Drinking before your procedure is also against our health codes. We suggest avoiding aspirin 24 hours before your tattoo, it also thins out your blood.

Why is getting a custom tattoo better than choosing something off the wall?

Most of the flash out there is not exclusive to one shop. These designs are being duplicated in shops all over the country, even other countries too. You probably would not want to go on vacation and see a stranger with the exact same tattoo as you. It is best to use the flash as a source for different ideas for a custom piece. A good custom artist will not duplicate your design on anyone else; this will make you the only one in the world with your tattoo. You are an individual, so you should have a one of a kind tattoo. Your artist should make your custom tattoo flow with the body part you are putting it on. A great artist can take your ideas and mold them into a piece of artwork that you will be proud to wear the rest of your life.

Why does tattooing and drawing take so long?

The simple answer is that quality takes time. Our artists stay extremely busy, and we do not rush any projects. Pure Imagination is not a traditional "lick 'em and stick 'em fast" studio. In our experience, rushing through a tattoo is how mistakes get made. We will give your body and art the same respect as the client ahead of you. Often we are booked from two weeks, up to several months, in advance. A consultation and deposit may be required to begin a project. Once the deposit is made, this will secure your place on the waiting list. We will do extensive research then design the art to fit your specifications. We will gladly redraw a design until it is to your liking and approve it. We try to accommodate walk-in clients, but there will likely be a wait. For the tattoo process, our artist's use modern color layering and blending techniques that may require a session of healing between tattoo sittings. The art you wear will be worth the wait!

Should I tip my artist or piercer?

Well, that is something completely up to you. If you have a good experience and your artist goes way above and beyond your expectations, a tip is a very nice gesture. You tip your waitress, barber, and bartender. While those are honorable professions, few are performing serious, (potentially dangerous) procedures on your body. If you tip for an adult beverage, haircut, or coffee, then tipping excellent service of a tattoo artist should be a fairly reasonable consideration. Tipping also lets your artist know that what they have done is appreciated. Your tattoo artist usually does tattoos for the love of the art and a tip is about the best way to say thank you. Tips are always appreciated, never expected.

Is there an age limit to get tattooed or pierced in Iowa?

Yes, you must be 18 to get tattooed or pierced in the State of Iowa. There is an exception for piercing: a minor over the age of 14 can get pierced in the presence of their parent or guardian. Both minor and parent must have a photo ID with them and sign a release form the day of the piercing. No nipple or genital piercing will be performed on minors.

What should I do during the procedure?

Sit back and try to relax, the more you relax the better experience you and your artist will have. Remember, your artist is drawing on your skin permanently, so try to hold as still as you possibly can. Any sudden or jerky move you make may show up badly in your tattoo. If you start to feel nauseous of light headed in any way, tell your artist, they have been in this situation before and will know what to do. For the most part, just grin and bare it. For some, getting a tattoo is the only relaxation they get in our busy day to day lives!

How do I care for my new tattoo?

You must not only be aware of safeguards used by your artist, you must also understand that ultimately YOU are responsible for the care of your new tattoo. These are our recommendations for your new tattoo. For 2 weeks after your new tattoo Wash Tattooed area by hand (no wash cloths, loofahs, etc) FOUR times daily. Rinse well. Pat dry and apply VERY THIN layer of Bacitracin or Tattoo Goo. Do not soak the tattoo in ANY KIND OF WATER. Absolutely no Swimming for two weeks. Do not expose to excessive sun. Use sterile bandage if tattoo is at risk of exposure to dust, chemicals, glass, or ultraviolet rays. Do not scratch or pick scabs. Itching can be relived by slapping lightly. Do NOT do this if there is any scabbing present. Keep Tattoo covered with loose clean clothing. Try not to sleep directly on your new tattoo for at least one week.

Can I make an appointment with you by phone or over the internet?

We can make appointments over the internet or phone. Deposit can be taken via email or phone with a credit card.  Deposits can also be mailed in with a money order made out to Pure Imagination Tattoos (please include preferred artist's name on the m.o.) Deposits range from $50-$200, depending on the size of the work. 

-We receive tons of messages daily, so please be patient, and try back if you don't reach us right away.
-24 hours notice is required to reschedule an appointment and not lose your deposit.
-Deposits are non-refundable, but do come off of the tattoo sitting. 
-If you need to reschedule an appointment please make sure you call until you speak directly to someone at the studio, as we may not get your message or email until after your appointment.

How far ahead do I need to make an appointment?

This depends on which Pure Imagination artist you would like to do your tattoo.  Our artists may be booked anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months in advance. So, the sooner you leave a deposit and set an appointment, the sooner we can get you time in the tattoo chair.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Yes, all the time. However, appointments have priority... so walk-ins are taken strictly by chance if we have an opening or cancellation.

How do you handle appointments for large work such as back pieces and sleeves?

It is up to you to make sure you have time booked to get your project completed.  We strongly suggest booking most (or all) sessions in advance to make sure your work is completed. Usually plan for two or three weeks between sittings.  If you wait until the day of your appointment to schedule the next sitting, you might find you won't be able to get it worked on again for several months.

How much does a tattoo cost?

This is something that we can only discuss in person, during a one on one consultation.  Price is determined by size, placement, and detail of the tattoo OR by the sitting for larger scale work.

Do I need to have a design ready before coming to the studio?

We prefer to have clients come to us with ideas and references about their tattoo. Then, let us run with your concepts to design a custom, original tattoo for you.  We do have tons of designs, flash, and magazines that you can look through for inspiration.  You are more than welcome to bring your own design, which we will tighten up, if necessary, to make it tattoo able.

I heard you are expensive, do you charge by the hour?

I am very up front that we are not the cheapest studio. Also, we are far from the most expensive for the quality of work you will receive.  We charge by the piece for small to medium work, or by the sitting for larger work.  We warranty our work for life once the project is complete.  That means you will never ever be charged for a touch-up of finished work that came from this studio. We will not have a blackout and conveniently forget that we did your tattoo. (Warranty excludes work on hands and feet).

I heard that you tattoo for several hours for a lower price, what does that mean?

Pure Imagination has a session rate, very similar to, lets say, a massage therapist.  One session is typically a half-day of four hours. This may include any extensive research and design for the project. Large scale work, such as sleeves and back pieces that will not be fully completed in one sitting have a set price per sitting.  We are willing to discuss flat rates for sleeves and back pieces, but the offer must be fair to both artist and client. No, we will NOT tattoo a full back or full sleeve for $300.  This isn't the 1980's, sorry.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept, VISA, Mastercard, ATM/Debit (with Visa or MC printed on it), and of course, cold hard cash.  No Checks, AMEX or Discover cards.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL AND ASK "HOW MUCH FOR A TATTOO?"  Would you call a furniture store and ask "How much for furniture?"  They can sell you a lamp for 30 bucks, or a couch for 3000. The same applies to tattoos. It all depends on what you are looking for. Most tattoos average around $150-350.  That's SUPER cheap for something you'll have forever!

Other Shop Policies:

No, we DO NOT charge 150 bucks just for a consultation.  The consultation is free.  Should you like what you see in our portfolios and you commit to have a design drawn up, there is a DEPOSIT of 50-200 dollars, depending on the size of the piece.

For instance: small 1 or 2 hour tattoo... deposit is $50.  Full back piece, deposit is up to $200.

There are no refunds on deposits, so if you commit to having work done... be prepared to stick to it.  The deposit WILL come off of your sitting price when you get in the chair (provided you give adequate notice for any rescheduling).  If we design something and you want revisions... thats fine we will redesign it to the best of our ability, until you are happy with the design. 

If we come up with something that is tattoo able, and will look good... and you change your mind to, let's say, an exact reproduction of art you saw years ago, and cannot find or bring in any reference... we will do our best to research and find it, and adapt it for a tattoo.  Beyond that it is up to YOU to find or bring in what you want on your body. 

(WE WILL NOT EXACTLY DUPLICATE OTHER'S TATTOOS OUT OF MAGAZINES, OR OFF THE WEB. We can use web and magazines as reference material, then customize those designs for you.  If you find a design in flash we have purchased, we will tattoo it, but will suggest customizing it first.)

This is how we feed our families, so please do not expect our artists to work for free. We do, however, try to keep our prices reasonable for this level of custom work.